Malhan and Syal Awarded Amelia Earhart Fellowship

Monica Syal and Ria Malhan have been awarded with the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship for the 2010 –2011 academic year. These fellowships are granted annually to women who demonstrate a superior academic record in the field of aerospace-related sciences, and aerospace-related engineering. Fellowship recipients are awarded $10,000, which may be used to cover tuition, books, and living expenses.

Monica completed her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh (India) in 2004. She worked in the Defense Research and Development Organization in India until August 2006, when she joined the University of Maryland as a Masters student with Dr. J. Gordon Leishman as her adviser. After finishing her M.S. in December 2008, she has continued her education as a PhD student with Dr. Leishman, and is working on the Helicopter Brownout problem. Monica also received the the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship Foundation in the year 2009-2010.

Ria completed her B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh (India) in August 2007. She joined the University of Maryland as a master of science student with advisor Dr. Inderjit Chopra. After finishing her M.S. in May 2009, she continued as a PhD student with Dr. Inderjit Chopra and is working on Bio-inspired flapping wings. Her research involves experiments and analysis to understand the aerodynamics of flapping wings with application towards Micro Air Vehicles.

Visit the Zonta International Foundation website for more information on it's mission and the Amelia Earhart Fellowship.

Published March 31, 2010